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Learn to surf in Cullen, Scotland

We offer surf lessons for all from our surf school base at Cullen Beach on the Moray Firth. Whether it’s your first time or you’re working on improving your skills, we can help you learn in a safe and fun environment.

Perfect for adults & kids, learning to surf is fun for everyone!
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Plans can change. Cancel up to 2 days before your activity and we will refund you hassle-free.
  • A boy surfing a wave to shore and smiling during a surf lesson at Blue Coast Cullen
  • Family at the edge of the water during a surf lesson at Cullen Beach, Scotland.
  • A man surfing to the beach during a surf lesson in Cullen, Scotland
  • Surfer standing on their board during a surf lesson in North East Scotland
  • A group of surfers and their instructor posing for a photo with their surfboards after a surf lesson in the North Sea, at Cullen Beach on the Moray Firth, Scotland
  • A man watching a woman catch a wave and surf it to the beach during a surf lesson in Scotland
  • A boy surfing a wave to shore and smiling during a surf lesson at Blue Coast Cullen
  • Family at the edge of the water during a surf lesson at Cullen Beach, Scotland.
  • A man surfing to the beach during a surf lesson in Cullen, Scotland
  • Surfer standing on their board during a surf lesson in North East Scotland
  • A group of surfers and their instructor posing for a photo with their surfboards after a surf lesson in the North Sea, at Cullen Beach on the Moray Firth, Scotland
  • A man watching a woman catch a wave and surf it to the beach during a surf lesson in Scotland

Testimonials

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Tom M
July 24, 2024

Booked surfing lesson for daughter (10yr) absolutely loved it.

Instructor was very knowledgeable and took the time with everyone to ensure they had an enjoyable experience.

Good safe environment.

Would recommend it regardless of age.

JamieFW
July 18, 2024

Great instructors, great fun had by all… kids mastered standing up quickly… definitely recommend and will go again. Booked coasteering too and enjoyed scrambling, swimming and jumping in to the water. You’ll have a great day with the team!!

Carole P
July 16, 2024

My daughter took part in the 4 day kids surf camp for kids and absolutely loved it. The instructors Keir and Emmy-Jo were great, really friendly and had my daughter who was a novice standing up on the board and doing tricks by the end of the camp. I can’t recommend it enough! We’ve just booked to try the coasteering next and expect that to be just as good. Thanks to Adam and his crew.

Georgina B
July 6, 2024

My husband and I had our second surf lesson this week, this time held by Kier. We had a great time and cannot recommend Blue Coast Surf enough! The equipment is top class - I promise you don’t get cold as the wetsuits and boots are such thick neoprene you don’t even feel the cold water!

We really enjoyed learning and wanted to practice our surfing in our own time so we hired the wetsuits & board later in the week too, £20 for 3 hours hire each - such good value and allowed us to potter up the bay and catch some more waves!

I’m sure we’ll be back again on our next holiday to Moray.

L E
July 1, 2024

So much fun....Adam is a great instructor ...would recommend to anyone

Tom L
June 11, 2024

I recent went on their Surfari day trip and it was extremely good fun. It was my first time using Blue Coast and they made me feel super welcome. We had instructors who really know the local area and that are very knowledgeable in the technical side of surfing too. The day was full of laughs, learning and some really fun surf. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to improve their surfing and will be looking out for the next one that comes up!

Emma M
May 29, 2024

Adam was a great teacher and definitely knew what he was doing! He was super nice and helpful and I felt that I learned a lot from just this one lesson. Definitely have to come back and do this again!

Hannah D
May 26, 2024

Had surfing lessons with blue coast surf & paddle and they were amazing! Highly recommend them to any one of any ability. Adam and his team are very freindly and knowledgable.

Gail Caie
May 23, 2024

Over a weekend in May '24, my family and I attended a Surf and a Coasteering lesson with Blue Coast.  My husband and I had already had surf and SUP lessons with Adam, but this was our kids' (8 & 10) first lesson.

Adam and EmmieJo were our instructors for both lessons and they were great.  Adam explained things really well, the kids really liked him and EmmieJo who supported them in the water. They both loved the surfing and the fact they managed to stand and 'surf'.

We were all new to Coasteering and we really enjoyed it.  Adam led us around the coastline at Portknockie and we explored the caves and really enjoyed jumping into the water.  It was clear Adam had planned our routine to make sure the kids got their best experience at their ability level.

Thank you Adam and EmmieJo for a great weekend, the kids absolutely loved the activities. I'm sure you'll be seeing us all again over the summer.I'd highly recommend Blue Coast Surf & Paddle for anyone interested in water sports.

Rosie
May 17, 2024

This was a once in a lifetime experience. We throughly enjoyed learning this new skill with Adam’s expertise and guidance. Thank you Adam for this amazing experience.

Paul G
May 16, 2024

Had great fun on the surf lesson at Cullen beach. Adam is patient and explains everything clearly. Would recommend this to anyone.

Dmitry O
May 15, 2024

The session was great fun! Adam is a patient and friendly instructor. We spent a lot of time in the water practicing. We will be coming back for sure.

Marianne
May 5, 2024

Adam was a good and patient teacher and made the experience fun despite our lack of skill and overall ability. I plan on taking yoga for a year and coming back and trying again! Highly recommend this adventure

Nick Midgley
April 10, 2024

We have had various sessions with Adam @ Blue Coast - always brilliant, helpful, learning & confident, safe environment

Great teachers & all in fantastic locations with excellent equipment - I had some trepidation for my first surfing lesson, I needn’t have worried, 2nd time we had a ‘big sea’ but guided by Adam I had one of the most exhilarating experiences - I will be doing this again - I think I’m improving 😝

Ash Rogers
November 8, 2023

We joined a small group of mixed ability surfers while we were up in Scotland and thoroughly enjoyed our session with Adam. The mixed nature was no problem for Adam and he was able to give us all individual tips that helped us improve through the session.

If anyone is in the area and is looking for a surf lesson then I would highly recommend Blue Coast. You're a superstar, Adam.

Nigel Bell
October 16, 2023

My son and daughter have really enjoyed their surf lessons with Adam at Blue Coast Surf & Paddle. Great addition to Cullen beach and look forward to trying out the coasterering next. Thoroughly recommend 👌

Teresa W
October 3, 2023

I have been taking surfing lessons with Adam at Blue Coast most Sundays since early July after a recommendation from a friend and it is one of the most fun experiences I’ve had.

He is extremely professional and clearly very passionate about what he does and even though I’ve been doing lessons in a group setting, he makes sure everyone gets one on one time with pointers on how you can improve.

I’m 36 years old and never surfed before but have discovered that it’s never too late to start. Whether you fancy trying it alone or in a big group you won’t be disappointed and will be made to feel very welcome.

Steven Caie
October 2, 2023

I visited Blue Coast for a first go at surfing and loved it.  Adam was brilliant with the group, knowledgeable and a great instructor.  I enjoyed myself and the instruction so much I went back up two days for stand up paddle boarding.  Top notch

Dmitry O
September 23, 2023

Our surfing lesson was great fun! Adam is an excellent teacher. We spent plenty of time in the water. We can't wait to go back!

Ian P
September 17, 2023

Bought a session for granddaughter. She thoroughly enjoyed the day and the two staff members there ensured that she was getting well educated in the practicalities of surfing. On the way home she said she needs to come again and is keen on increasing competency. Thoroughly recommend Adam and his team for attention to detail . Definitely return for a few more lessons

Surf Lesson Details

Ages: All ages are welcome to join us surfing! Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult on the lesson.
Experience: No previous experience is required. All are welcome from beginners to improvers.
Equipment: All equipment is included; cosy 5mm thick winter wetsuits and boots / gloves / hoods if required. We have a wide range of wetsuits to cater for all shapes and sizes.
Duration: Lessons last 2 hours after we're changed and good to go.
Location: Surf lessons take place at Cullen Beach, and Surfari Surf Trips visit spots such as Sandend and Banff.
Prices: from £30 (Special prices are available for Families & Couples)

Cullen offers ideal & safe conditions for beginning / improving surfers; mellow green waves & long rolling whitewater. Our friendly instructors are all qualified beach lifeguards, in the water with you to help you choose waves and give feedback. We look forward to welcoming you at Blue Coast!

  • Check in and meet your friendly instructor
  • Get changed and head down to beach for an introduction, theory and important safety info
  • Get loose with a yoga-inspired warm up
  • Time for fun in the sea! Get personalised advice as you catch waves to the beach

Please bring a towel, sunscreen, and water. We recommend you arrive with swimwear on (for under your wetsuit) as it makes it easier to get changed at the beach.

If you're a beginner, we'll cover beach & ocean safety, and introduction to surf equipment, wave selection and catching broken waves independently, and pop-up technique (standing up). Depending on your level and the conditions of the day, we will move on to cover speed control, turning left and right, paddling out and the turtle roll, catching unbroken green waves, angled takeoffs, bottom turns, and cutbacks.

A glimpse of North Sea magic

Why surf at Blue Coast surf school?

Surfboard icon

All equipment included

We only use the highest quality equipment; warm 5mm thick wetsuits and a range of surfboards for all different abilities.

Experienced guides

All of our coaches are qualified lifeguards, in the water with you to help you choose waves and give feedback.

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Small groups

1:8 maximum instructor to student ratio. Personalised teaching to your ability and goals.

Cullen viaduct icon

Ideal conditions

Cullen beach offers ideal & safe conditions for beginning / improving surfers; mellow green waves & long rolling whitewater.

Surfing for all

Lessons are offered to all ages - we don't believe anyone is too young or old to try surfing!

Paddle icon

Gift vouchers available

Give the gift of surfing to a loved one. Not just a memorable experience; it might change their life!

Memorable moments in the sea

Whether you're on your own or with a group of friends, all are welcome at Blue Coast. We're focused on providing the best possible experience for your needs.

Want to hire equipment after your lesson and surf all day? No worries. Would you prefer a private lesson? No problem.

We offer group discounts for larger groups: corporate & workplace team-building / stag & hen dos etc. Contact us to enquire.

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Surf students walking to the beach in Scotland

Fun for the whole family

Surfing is a brilliant group activity for the whole family. Your age, fitness, or surf experience don't matter; fun will be had by all!

An ideal way to make memories together on your visit to Cullen.

See our booking system for special prices on family group lessons.

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Family group photo with surfboards after a surf lesson at Cullen beach

The ultimate couple's experience

Is it your first time trying surfing? Something you've always wanted to do together? Maybe one of you has more experience?

Surfing is a great way to spend some time together in the sea and create lifelong memories, and maybe a lifelong surfing habit!

See our booking system for special prices on couple's lessons.

Book a Lesson
Couple getting their wetsuits on for a surf lesson in Scotland

Do I need to be able to swim?

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We ask that everybody taking part in our surf lessons can swim unaided. During a beginner surf session there is no need to go any deeper than standing waist-depth water as you’ll be practicing in broken waves.

What are the age limits?

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All ages are welcome to join us surfing! Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult on the lesson.

You're never too old to get in the sea and have a go!

Will I be cold?

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The water temperature in the Moray Firth ranges from 7-15°C. We find our high-quality 5mm thick winter wetsuits keep our customers toasty, as well as gloves, boots, and hoods if needed. We've had no complaints! You should be warm and comfortable for the duration of your lesson with us.

I am nervous and not a strong swimmer, will I be ok?

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Try a beginner surf lesson as this activity takes place in waist depth water, with a surfboard that floats, and you will have an instructor with you the entire time; we work with you to develop your confidence in the water. If you're nervous around the ocean we encourage you to get in touch so we can discuss your concerns in advance of your lesson and put your mind at rest.

How fit do you have to be to take part?

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Providing you meet the minimum requirement of 50 metres swimming capability and you have no current health issues or injuries preventing you from taking part in physical activity you can participate.

Surfing is more physical than paddleboarding but you will be able to progress in either sport at your own pace, and all activities can be adapted to you; fun will be had by all.

We have a wide range of wetsuits to cater for all shapes and sizes.

How many lessons will it take me to stand up?

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There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone is unique. However, we hope to get everyone standing and getting a feel for the board in the first session. We suggest taking 4-5 lessons to get a comfortable grasp of the basics; improving on stability and control of the board, and getting longer rides!

After taking a beginner lesson, will I need any more lessons? How do I progress?

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Our focus in the first lessons is teaching you the basics while having a lot of fun. We focus on water safety, catching waves and standing up on your board in the white-water surf zone. If you want to progress towards intermediate level, paddling out back (beyond the broken waves) and riding along the face of green unbroken waves, you will require more lessons.

We'd suggest taking 4-5 lessons to begin with and getting a comfortable grasp of the basics, and then practicing on your own while coming back for the occasional lesson to progress further, learn more advanced techniques, and ensure you're not developing bad habits. The best way to get better at surfing is consistent guided practice over time, on the right equipment and in the right conditions. We offer 3 Days Surf Lessons and 5 Days Surf Lessons packages, Surfari Surf Trips, as well as equipment hire and a WhatsApp group with updates on conditions to help you do this.

Find more questions answered in our FAQs, or contact us with anything else.
At ease.
A state of flow.
Frictionless.
Breathe easy.
No paddle no surf.
Beyond the beach.
Everything else falls away.
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